Automotive storage container

ABSTRACT

A plurality of example automotive storage containers are disclosed. A first example automotive storage container includes at least a movable front panel and a movable top panel, each of the front panel and the top panel connected with and independently movable with respect to the automotive storage container. Each of the front panel and top panel can move into an open and close position independent of the rest of the automotive storage container. A second example automotive storage container includes at least a movable front panel and a movable top panel, the front panel movably connected to a base of the automotive storage container, wherein when the front panel is positioned in an open position, an interior of the automotive storage container is exposed, and wherein the front panel is movable in the open position to slide into a second position under the base of the automotive storage container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to as acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/454,409, filed onAug. 7, 2014, for “Automotive Storage Container”, which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/270,052,filed on May 5, 2014, for “Collapsible Automobile Storage Container”,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/076,926, filed on Nov. 11, 2013, for “Collapsible AutomobileStorage Container,” which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/447,163, filed on Apr. 13, 2012, for“Collapsible Automobile Storage Container,” which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/087,140, filed onApr. 14, 2011, for “Collapsible Storage Container for a Bed of a Truck”,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety forall purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments generally relate to storage containers forautomobiles, such as pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles and thelike.

Automobiles or vehicles are often used to carry personal and/orcommercial cargo. A pickup truck (which may be referred to as a truck)is a motor vehicle or automobile with an open-top rear cargo area whichis generally (but does not have to be) separated from a cabin to allowfor chassis flex when carrying or pulling heavy loads. The open-top rearcargo area is generally referred to as the bed of the truck. The bed ofthe truck is generally configured to store, carry, or haul variousitems. However, because the bed of the truck has an open top (i.e., isnot covered), the various items are generally exposed to the weatherand/or the possibility of theft. Furthermore, because of the bed of thetruck is generally sized to store, carry, or haul larger items (e.g.,gravel and wood), smaller items (e.g., groceries or tools) may slidearound the bed of the truck. For some items, such as gravel, wood, andlandscaping items, being exposed to the possibility of weather, theft,and sliding around is generally not a problem. However, for other items,such as carpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, being exposed to thepossibility of weather, theft, and sliding around is generally notacceptable. In some situations, the person using the truck may choose toplace these items in the cabin of the truck to prevent exposure.Existing containers are inflexible and inadequate to accommodate accessin a way that is convenient from the rear of the truck bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the followingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a storage container in a back of avehicle such as a truck.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a storage container with a top open buta front panel closed.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a storage container which has beeninstalled in a bed liner, and the bedliner is installed into a truckbed.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a storage container which can beinstalled in a bed liner using slots and then this same bed liner can beinstalled into a truck bed.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example storage container with an access panelprovided in a front panel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an example storage container.

FIG. 5A illustrates an isolation drawing of just a base of the storagecontainer of FIG. 5 in which the base is attached to a bottom of theexample storage container to form a cavity into which a front panel ofthe storage container can slide.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example storage container with a rod and hooksinstalled to hang personal items.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example storage container including locklocations.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example storage container including the locationof the hinge between the top and back panels.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the pin location on the front panel tohold the panel in place in the corresponding slot or groove in the base.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example storage container including cam shapeddiscs attached to a front panel.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a cam shaped disc attached to a frontpanel that is in a position halfway between closed and open.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example storage container with a cam shaped discattached to a front panel and the panel is in a fully closed position.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example storage container including a pin andgroove guide for a front panel as the front panel relates to a base ofthe storage container.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example storage container including a hook andball guide for a front panel as the front panel relates to a base of thestorage container.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example storage container including a block andhinge guide for a front panel as the front panel relates to a base ofthe storage container.

The following detailed description may be better understood when read inconjunction with the drawings which show certain example embodiments.The drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts, but it isunderstood that the inventions are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific examples that may be practiced. Theseexamples are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in theart to practice the subject matter, and it is to be understood thatother examples may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electricaland other changes may be made without departing from the scope of thesubject matter of this disclosure. The following detailed descriptionis, therefore, provided to describe an exemplary implementation and notto be taken as limiting on the scope of the subject matter described inthis disclosure. Certain features from different aspects of thefollowing description may be combined to form yet new aspects of thesubject matter discussed below.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Brief Description

The present embodiments relate to a storage container (SC) for anautomobile, such as a truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), all-terrainvehicle (ATV) (e.g., quad, quad bike, three wheeler, four wheeler,etc.), recreational vehicle (RV), and the like. Flat cargo trailers(e.g., for transport of snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, etc.) can alsoutilize a storage container to store belongings while using thetransported vehicle.

Certain examples provide a storage container that is integrated so thatall four sides as well as top and bottom are attached to each other anddo not need to be separately handled or stored. Thus, a person canchoose to store items in the container in a truck bed, trailer bed, jeepstorage space, etc., without fear of spillage, etc. Rather than forcinga user to access the storage container from only one of a top of thecontainer or a front of the container, certain examples, allow accessvia top and front panels independently and/or simultaneously.

Certain examples provide an automobile storage container including aplurality of panels arranged with respect to a base. The plurality ofpanels includes at least a top panel, a front panel, a back panel, andtwo side panels. The front panel is movable to slide under the base ofthe container. The example container also includes a control device tograb and constrain the front panel in position to 1) swing verticallyinto an erected position against the side panels, top panel and base andto 2) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a front edge of thebase. The plurality of panels are interconnected to form an enclosedstorage area when both the top is closed and the front panel is pulledout from under the base and is closed as well.

In certain examples, a storage container includes a plurality of panelsincluding at least a top panel, front panel, back panel, and two sidepanels arranged with respect to the base panel. The plurality of panelsinterconnect to form an enclosed storage area when all of the pluralityof panels are in a closed position. The back panel and two side panelsare affixed with respect to the base panel. Each of the top and frontpanels is separately movable into both an open position and a closedposition. The top panel is pivotable with respect to the back panel tomove between the open position and the closed position. The front panelis movable to slide under the base of the container to arrange the frontpanel in the open position. The container further includes a controldevice to grab and constrain the front panel in position to 1) swingvertically into an erected position against the side panels and basepanel and to 2) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a frontedge of the base panel.

In certain examples, the container further includes a bottom below thebase panel of the container, the base connected to the bottom to form acavity between the base panel and the bottom, the cavity accommodatingthe front panel when the front panel is moved under the base panel. Incertain examples, the control device is arranged to keep the front panelfrom inadvertently being pulled out of the cavity created between thebase panel and the bottom of the container. The front panel can span anentire opening from side to side of the cavity created by the bottom andbase panel of the container. In certain examples, the bottom can beattached to the base panel as a separate piece or the bed of the truckcan serve as the bottom of the storage container.

In certain examples, the plurality of panels include at least one ofplastic panels and metal panels. In certain examples, the automobileincludes at least one of a truck, an all-terrain vehicle, a recreationalvehicle, or a trailer. In certain examples, the container isincorporated into a liner for the automobile. In certain examples thecontainer is configured for arrangement either horizontally orvertically in a bed of the automobile.

In certain examples, the container includes at least one of taperedlatch hooks or rubber hooks connecting the top and front panels of thecontainer. In certain examples, the top and front panels include tongueand groove configurations connecting the panels of the container.

In certain examples, the control device includes a pair of cam-shapeddiscs attached to a bottom of the front panel to guide movement andposition of the front panel with respect to the base panel of thecontainer. The cam-shaped discs can include at least one of circle camdiscs, square cam discs, or trapezoidal cam discs.

In certain examples, the control device comprises a pin and groovealignment of the front panel and the base panel. In certain examples,the control device includes a hook and ball connecting and guiding thefront panel with respect to the base panel. In certain examples, thecontrol device includes a block and hinge connecting and guiding thefront panel with respect to the base panel.

In certain examples, the top panel is attached to the back panel suchthat the top panel is openable with respect to the back panel, top paneland side panels.

In certain examples, the front panel includes a lock to secure thecontainer when the panels are in the closed position. In certainexamples, the top panel is movable to be opened or closed with respectto the back and side panels when the front panel is locked in the closedposition. In certain examples, the front panel is movable when the toppanel is in the open position and when the top panel is in the closedposition, and the top panel is movable when the front panel is in theopen position and when the front panel is in the closed position.

Reference herein to “embodiment” means that a feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment. The appearance of this phrase invarious places in the specification is not necessarily all referring tothe same or single embodiment or even different and mutually exclusiveembodiments. Separate or alternative embodiments are not mutuallyexclusive embodiments. Instead, the embodiments described herein,explicitly and implicitly understood by one skilled in the art, may becombined with other embodiments. The embodiments and combinationsthereof are all within the scope of this patent document.

It is also worth noting that unless stated otherwise the variousembodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their application to thedetails of design and arrangement of the components set forth in theprevious and following description or as illustrated in the drawings.Instead, the previous description, following description, and thedrawings focus on presenting concepts of various embodiments. Theembodiments described herein may stand alone or be combined with eachother.

One or more of the embodiments may be implemented as a method, system,article of manufacture, apparatus, or device. It should be noted thatthe methods, systems, articles of manufacture, apparatus, and devicesprovided herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered aslimiting. Accordingly, while the following describes example methods,systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the examples providedare not the only way to implement such methods, systems, articles ofmanufacture, and apparatus.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1A illustrates a truck 100. The truck 100 is described anddisclosed herein for purposes of example illustration only. Othervehicles, such as trailers, flatbed trucks, SUVs, ATVs, RVs, etc., canbe substituted for the truck 100 in the example of FIG. 1A. The truck100 includes a cabin 110 and a bed 120. The bed 120 is generally (butdoes not have to be) separated from (e.g., independent of) the cabin 110to allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling heavy loads. Thecabin 110 is coupled with the bed 120. As used herein, the term “coupledwith” may include a direct connection or indirect connection via one ormore intermediary components. For example, the cabin 110 may be weldeddirectly to the bed 120 or connected via a motor-vehicle chassis. Thetruck 100 may include additional, different, or fewer components.

The truck 100 shown in FIG. 1A is a pickup truck. As will be discussedin more detail below, a pickup truck includes side walls along the edgeof the bed 120. However, in some embodiments, a storage container inaccordance with an embodiment may be installed in or used with a vehiclethat is pulling a trailer or even a semi-truck. For example, a storagecontainer may be installed on a trailer that does not include as many(e.g., relative to a pickup) or any side walls along the edges of thefloor of the trailer. In another example, a storage container may beinstalled in a semi-truck (e.g., near the rear doors, in a verticalplane on the back wall of the cabin, etc.). In another example, astorage container may be installed in a vertical plane along a back walland/or side wall of an RV or the like.

The cabin 110 is an enclosed space where at least the driver is seatedwhen driving the truck 100. The cabin 110 may be referred to as a “cab.”The cabin 110 may be any now known or later developed cabin of a truck.For example, the cabin 110 may be a standard cabin, extended (or super)cabin, or crew cabin. A standard cabin has a single row of seats and asingle set of doors, one on each side. Most pickups have a front benchseat that can be used by two or more people; however, variousmanufacturers have begun to offer individual seats with a console in themiddle of the seats. An extended cabin includes additional space behindthe main seating area. This additional space may be accessed byreclining the front bench forward or a rear access door on one or bothsides of the cabin 110. A rear access door may be a door hinged on thetrailing edge, which is the edge closer to the rear of the truck 100.One or more seats may be placed in the area behind the front bench. Forexample, in an embodiment, the cabin 110 may include a side-facing seatthat can fold into the walls behind the front bench. However, in otherembodiments, a full bench may be placed in the back. A crew cabin may bea cabin with four-doors. A crew cabin includes seating for up to five orsix people on two full benches and full-size front-hinged doors on bothsides. Most crew cab pickups have a shorter bed or box to reduce theiroverall length.

The bed 120 includes one or more side walls 122, a tailgate 124, and afloor 126. The side walls 122, tailgate 124, and floor 126 areconfigured to form an open-top cargo area 128. The open-top cargo area128 may be used for carrying or hauling cargo, such as tools, gravel,groceries, clothes, or other items. Because the bed 120 is an open-topcargo area 128, the various items being carried or hauled are exposed tothe weather and the possibility of theft. For some items, such as graveland wood, weather and/or theft are generally not a problem. However, forother items, such as carpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, beingexposed to the weather and theft are generally a concern.

In an embodiment, the bed 120 includes a storage container 130. As shownin FIG. 1, the bed 120 includes a storage container 130. In the closedposition, the storage container 130 may be enclosed and configured tostore, haul, or carry cargo. In other words, the storage container 130may be closed off on all sides if the top is down and the front panel ispulled out from under the base and is closed tight against the sides andback. The inside or interior of the storage container 130 may be used asa cargo container to prevent cargo from sliding, being exposed toweather, and/or being stolen.

In some embodiments, although one or more of the side walls of thestorage container 130 may abut the bed 120 of the truck 100, the insideor interior of the storage container 130 (e.g., the area that stores,hauls, or carries cargo) is disposed in the open-top cargo area 128. Forexample, the inside or interior of the storage container 130 may bedisposed between the side walls 122 and the tailgate 124, as well asbeing above the floor 126. For example, the storage container 130 is nota container inside of a compartment built in a side wall 122. Instead,the inside or interior of the storage container 130 may be disposed inthe open-top cargo area 128. The storage container 130 is generallysmaller than the bed 120 of the truck 100. For example, the bottom ofthe storage container 130, may be less than half of the square footageof the bed 120 of the truck. In some embodiments, the bottom of thestorage container 130, may be less than a quarter of the square footageof the bed 120 of the truck. In some embodiments, the storage container130 may be the same size or almost the same size as the bed 120 of thetruck 100. The term “almost” accounts for the physical structure of thestorage container 130.

In certain embodiments, the gap between the base panel 131 and bottompanel 206 of the container 130 can include one or more trusses 170, 171,172, and/or 173 or other sliding supports attached to a bottom edge ofthe front panel 203 such that when the front panel is pulled out fromunder the base 131, the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173 providesupport. That is, back, side and front panels may not have an ability toprovide support to the base so the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173provide this support for them. In other embodiments, due to theconfiguration and/or material of the panels, one or more trusses 170-173may not be included in the design.

For example, in a truss-based embodiment, a front panel of the container130 is housed beneath a base of the container 130 (but perhaps protectedby a bottom sheet or panel underneath). By sliding the panel underneaththe base, the container 130 can be placed and effectively used in avariety of positions in a vehicle bed, including at the edge of a truckor trailer tailgate. If the front panel of the container 130 is pulledout and “flipped up” or in the fully closed position, then the frontpanel is no longer able to provide support to the floor or base of thecontainer 130. One or more trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173 or movablesupports are installed on the bottom of the front panel/door edge viahinges, allowing the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173 to be pulledforward and provide support when the front panel cannot provide supportdue to its position. The example of FIG. 1 shows the trusses extendingalong a width of the container 130. The number of trusses and/or othersupport(s) 170-173 may vary (e.g., a single truss, two trusses, threetrusses, four trusses, five trusses, etc.). Trusses may be located tomove along a direction of panel movement (e.g., a front panel slidesunderneath a floor or base panel of the container 130), normal to adirection of panel movement, diagonal to a direction of panel movement,etc. In a non-truss based embodiment, one or more of a circle cam disc,pin and groove, hook and ball, block and hinge, etc., can be implementedto maintain support and front panel position without use of truss(es).

In certain examples the width of the base in which the trusses and frontpanel reside when the front panel is slid under the base isapproximately the same length of the sum of the height of the frontpanel and the length of the trusses.

The storage container 130 is generally located near the tailgate 124.This location may allow a user to reach the storage container 130without climbing into the bed 120 of the truck 100. However, thelocation of the storage container 130 is not limited, for example, aslong as it is disposed in the bed 120. For example, the storagecontainer 130 may be disposed near the cab 110, as opposed to near thetailgate 124. In this example, a user may reach over a side wall 122 ofthe bed 120 or climb into the bed 120 to access the storage container130. Other locations and ways of accessing the storage container 130 areincluded within the scope of this description.

For example, the storage container 130 may be oriented in a variety ofways in a truck bed or other vehicle platform. While many of the figuresshow the container 130 oriented with ends facing a side wall of a truckbed, the container 130 may be positioned such that the ends face the caband tailgate of the truck. Other orientation or positioning isenvisioned as well.

The storage container 130 may be made of one or more materials. Forexample, the storage container 130 may be made of plastic, metal (e.g.,ferrous or non-ferrous, insulated or non-insulated, etc., such asaluminum, steel, etc.), wood, or other material. The material may beweatherproof. For example, stainless steel or plastic may be used toprotect against rain and snow. The material may also prevent or at leastdeter theft. For example, a hard plastic, such as TEFLON®, may be usedto protect against both the weather and theft.

For example, the storage container 130 may be designed to fit in theback of a truck bed or other vehicle back/space. The sides and topand/or other panels/walls of the example storage container 130 can bemade of a material such as an insulated High Density Polyethylene,Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, polypropylene, etc., andhinges, locks, and brackets can be made from stainless steel, aluminum,etc. The example storage container 130 is engineered to be weatherresistant and lockable and also secures cargo from rolling around in thebed of the truck or other vehicle/trailer. The example container 130 isfastened to the truck bed with four stainless steel bolts securing theunit to the vehicle. In other examples, the container 130 may be held inplace by the weight of the container 130 and friction between thecontainer 130 bottom and the truck/vehicle bed. The container 130 may bebuilt into a vehicle, sold as an accessory by an automotive dealer ormanufacturer (e.g., as a bedliner, storage box, etc.), sold as an“after-market” item (e.g., a bedliner, storage box, etc.), etc.

In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the container 130 is providedas a part of and/or can be connected to a bedliner. For example, in anembodiment, a bedliner is configured to receive a storage container 130for a bed of a truck and/or other vehicle, trailer, etc. A bedliner is aliner that covers a bed of a truck. The bedliner may protect a truck bedfrom damage and can prevent fine-grained cargo from moving around in thebed of the truck. The storage container 130 may protect items placed inthe interior of the storage container from the possibility of weather,theft, and sliding around the bed of the truck.

In an embodiment, a bedliner is configured to cover at least a floor ofa bed of a truck and/or other vehicle and receive a storage container.The container may include a connection device that is configured toconnect the storage container to the bedliner of a bed of a truck and/orother vehicle. The storage container includes an enclosed area, which isaccessible, when the either the top panel is open, the front panel isopen or both.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, a bedliner for a bed of atruck and/or other vehicle includes a floor covering, one or more sidecoverings, and a reception device. The floor covering is sized fit on afloor of a bed of a truck/vehicle. The one or more side coverings aresized to fit on one or more side walls of the bed of the truck/vehicle.The floor covering is coupled with the one or more side coverings suchthat the floor covering and one or more side covering cover the bed ofthe truck. The reception device is configured to receive a storagecontainer.

In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a bedliner includesforming a floor covering that is sized fit on a floor of a bed of atruck; forming one or more side coverings that are sized to fit on oneor more side walls of the bed of the truck, wherein the floor coveringis coupled with the one or more side coverings such that the floorcovering and one or more side covering cover the bed of the truck; andforming a reception device that is configured to receive a storagecontainer.

The storage container 130 may include a security system (e.g., a lock,sensor, etc.). The security system may include an alarm system thatalarms a user or others near the storage container 130 when the interiorof storage container 130 is being accessed without authorization. Forexample, the storage container 130 may include an audio alarm thatsounds an alarm if the storage container 130 is opened without disablingor disarming the alarm. The audio alarm may alert others in the nearbyarea that the storage container 130 is being opened. The alarm systemmay include a key pad or wireless remote system that allows the user todisarm the alarm system and access the storage container 130 without thealarm being triggered.

As shown in FIG. 4, one or more of the side walls of the storagecontainer 130 may be configured to provide access to the inside orinterior of the storage container 130. In other another embodiment, anaccess door may be provided to the inside of the storage container 130.When something large is to be retrieved from or placed in the inside ofthe storage container, either the top can be opened or the front panelcan be opened or both can be open. However, a door or window may also beprovided to allow the user to retrieve or place something small on theinside of the storage container. When access is not needed, the top,front panel and access door can be in the closed position.

The storage container 130 provides a storage container that may be usedto store, carry and haul cargo. The storage container 130 may beweatherproof and/or secure from theft, such that the cargo inside thestorage container 130 is protected from the weather and theft.Weatherproof may include protection against rain, snow, wind, or otherweather. Secure from theft may include protection against theft. Forexample, the storage container 130 may deter or slow down a theft (e.g.,relative to not having a storage container 130).

The storage container 130 may include one or more handles that are usedfor assisting with lifting the storage container into and out of thetruck bed.

The storage container 130 may include one or more compartments orsections. The interior of the storage container 130 may include acompartment system that allows a user to compartmentalize the inside orinterior of the storage container 130. For example, the inside orinterior may include two compartments. One compartment may be a smallercompartment that is used to carry items that are likely to move around,such as groceries. Another compartment may be larger (e.g., relative tothe smaller compartment) and used to carry larger items, such as tools,computers, etc.

The storage container 130 may include one or more dividers made ofplastic or some other rigid material to be installed into the base ofthe container 130. For example, one or more dividers may be integratedas part of the container that can be “flipped up” to a positionperpendicular to the base of the container 130. The flip-up divider(s)may help prevent items in the container 130 from rolling from side toside as easily as the items might if the dividers were not employed.When the divider(s) are not desired, they are “flipped down” and lievirtually flush with the top of the base, for example.

The storage container 130 may include a non-skid bottom, non-ski pad(s),etc. For example, the bottom of the container 130 (e.g., either a bottomthat is integrated with a base panel as part of the container 130 or abottom that is part of an installed bed liner, etc.) may be made up of a“non-skid”-type surface. The bottom may be made to be non-skid throughmaterial used in the manufacture of the bottom portion itself or byapplying a material after manufacture of the bottom to make the bottomskid resistant, for example.

Thus, the container 130 can utilize an attachment system that isnon-invasive. That is, a weight of the container 130 itself issufficient to hold the container 130 in position in the vehicle withouthaving to attach the container 130 to the vehicle by screws, latches,ties, etc. In certain examples, an additional ballast on the bottom 206of the container 130 can help to secure a position of the container 130.

The storage container 130 may include one or more attachments oraccessories. For example, the storage container 130 may include a cargolight. The cargo light can be installed on or in one or more sides ofthe container 130 (e.g., top, back, and/or two sides of the storagecontainer 130). The cargo light may be an incandescent light, lightemitting diode (LED), or the like, and can be powered by a batterysituated next to the light, directly from an existing vehicle battery,etc.

The storage container 130 may include a drain plug or stopper to allowthe container 130 to retain and release fluid. For example, a drain plugor other closable opening may be installed in a bottom of the container130 and/or bedliner. For example, if water (e.g., from rain, meltingice, etc.) or other liquid has collected in the container 130, the plugmay be opened to allow the liquid to drain from the container 130.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the storage container 130 may include handles 370.For example, one or more handles 370 or other grips may be positioned onor in the outside of the container such that once the container 130 is“un-hooked” or otherwise detached (e.g., from a truck bed or othervehicle, a base or receptacle on a truck bed or other vehicle, bedliner,etc.), the container 130 can be lifted and repositioned.

The storage container 130 may be insulated. For example, the walls ofthe container 130 may be constructed from an insulating material.Alternatively or in addition, insulation may be installed in theside(s), front, top, and/or back panels. For example, one or more panelsmay be insulated with material to delay effects of heat and/or coldtransfer from inside the container 130 to outside and/or outside thecontainer 130 to the inside.

The storage container 130 may include removable straps or netting insidethe container 130. For example, straps, netting, and/or other supportmay be attached to one or more panels of the container 130 (e.g.,attached to either of the two sides, top, back or front) such that itspans between two opposing panels to hold stationary items that mayotherwise roll or shift in the container 130. The straps, netting, etc.,may be removable such that they are installed at times and uninstalledand stored at other times.

The storage container 130 may include one or more indentations in apanel (e.g., a top or front panel, etc.) whereby a beverage container,such as a cup, bottle, can, etc., can be placed in an indentation. Abeverage container placed in an indentation may be prevented from movingon the top of the container 130, for example, as easily as the beveragemight without the recess.

The storage container 130 includes an attachment system 207 FIG. 5. Theattachment system 207 may be used to connect or attach the storagecontainer 130 to the bed 120 of the truck 100. The attachment system 207may include holes in the bottom 206 where the storage container 130 canbe screwed into the bed of the pickup, or other mechanisms for securingor fixing the storage container 130 to the bed 120 of the truck 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in all embodiments, the side walls 204,205 and the back panel 202 of the storage container 130 are able tosupport themselves. The side walls of the storage container 130 arerigid and able to remain in a fixed position if the top is open or thefront is open, or if either is open. In an embodiment, a hook or latchsystem may be used to latch the front and top panels of the storagecontainer 130. Hooks may be tapered and/or untapered latch hooks, forexample. For example, two hooks may be located on the inside of eachside panel that are tapered from a “pointed end” to a thicker or morerobust middle and base. As a latch is turned or pushed into thereceiving hole, the taper forces a tighter and tighter fit between thetwo panels. The tighter fit allows the container 130 to be weather tightwhen the latches are fully turned or pushed, for example.

In an embodiment, side panels may include tongue and groove sides. Forexample, side panels may include a tongue molded into an edge thatlodges into a groove of a corresponding top or front panel when thecontainer 130 is fully closed. Using this design, potential incomingmoisture is forced through a tortuous path up, over and around thistongue prior to being able to enter the cavity created by the fullyclosed storage container. The tongue may be constructed from a solidmaterial, a flexible and/or crushable material (such as a semi-hardplastic or rubber), etc.

As shown in the examples of FIG. 1, one or more supports (e.g.,truss(es), etc.) 170-173 can be provided underneath the base 131 of thecontainer 130 to provide support for the container 130 as the frontpanel 203 is pulled out from under the base 131. When the front panel ispulled out from underneath the base, the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or173 provide support. That is, the front panel will not have an abilityto provide support to the base when it is pulled out from underneath thebase (so that it can close up the storage container by nesting againstthe top and side panels), so the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173provide/replace this support.

For example, in an embodiment, a front panel of the container 130 ishoused beneath a base of the container 130 (but perhaps protected by abottom sheet or panel underneath). In certain examples, the trusses 170,171, 172, and/or 173 extend underneath the base in the direction ofmovement as the panel is moved and provide/replace this support that hadbeen provided by the panel when slid or otherwise positioned underneaththe base. By sliding the panel underneath the base, the container 130can be placed and effectively used in a variety of positions in avehicle bed, including at the edge of a truck or trailer tailgate.

In an embodiment, if the front panel 203 of the container 130 is pulledout and “flipped up” or in the fully closed position, then support thatthe front door provided to the base 131 of the container is no longerprovided. One or more trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173 or movablesupports are installed on the bottom of the front panel edge via hinges,allowing the trusses 170, 171, 172, and/or 173 to be pulled forward andprovide support when the front panel cannot due to its position. Thus,the base 131 can be supported by one or more trusses 170-173.

In a non-truss-based embodiment, one or more of a circle cam disc, pinand groove, hook and ball, block and hinge, etc., can be implemented tomaintain front panel position without use of truss(es). For example,front panel 203 can slide between the base 131 and bottom panel 206. Astopping mechanism, such as a circle cam disc, pin and groove, hook andball, block and hinge, etc., stops the moving front panel 203 frommoving beyond (e.g., coming free from) its connection with the base 131and allows the front panel 203 to move smoothly between an closedposition perpendicular to the base 131 and an open position underneaththe base 131.

The storage container 130 may include a plurality of locks 701, 702. Thelocks may be a locking system (e.g., including one or more locks) thatsecures the storage container 130 when the top is closed and the frontpanel is pulled out from under the base and nested against the side andtop panels. The lock(s) may prevent one or both of the panels frommoving and providing access to the interior of the storage container130. In some embodiments, the locks 701, 702 may include a lock and keysystem on an edge of a front or top panel. A user may insert a key intothe locking mechanism to lock the storage container 130.

In certain examples, an attachment system may be an invasive ornon-invasive attachment system. An invasive attachment system is anattachment system that enters into the bed of the truck (e.g., isscrewed into the bed of the truck). However, a non-invasive attachmentsystem is an attachment system that attaches to the bed of the truckwithout entry into the truck.

Bed-Liner Storage Container Examples

In certain examples, a storage container may be connected to and/orincorporated in a bed liner. A truck bed liner is a covering that mayprotect a truck bed from damage and can prevent fine-grained cargo frommoving around in the bed of the truck. A bed liner may be a drop-in bedliner. A bed liner is installed in the bed of the truck, for example, bysnapping, screwing, or otherwise connecting the bed liner to the bed ofthe truck. A bed liner may be made of, for example, plastic, rubber, orother material. A bed liner may be made in a single piece (e.g., that isfitted to the bottom and sides of the bed of the truck) or separatepieces (e.g., that are installed individually on the bottom and sides ofthe bed of the truck). In some embodiments, a bed liner may beremovable.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a storage container 130 isembedded in a bed liner 310. Embedded may include manufactured with(e.g., as a single piece), integrated with, built into, or otherwiseformed with the bed liner 310. For example, during manufacture of a bedliner, the base panel 131 may be manufactured into the bed liner toallow for the use of a storage container when the bed liner is installedin the bed of a truck. The base panel 131, when manufactured as a singlepiece with the bed liner, may not be removed from the bed liner. Forexample, during manufacture, a single molding process may be used toform both the bed liner and the base 131 of the storage container. FIG.3 illustrates a storage container 130 embedded in a bed liner 310 thathas not been installed in the bed of the truck. The arrow 320illustrates that the bed liner 310 may be installed in the bed 120 ofthe truck.

FIG. 3A illustrates another example of a bedliner 310. The bedliner 310may be manufactured to receive a storage container 130. For example,when manufactured, the bedliner 310 may be formed to include receptionslots 350. The reception slots 350 may be sized and configured toreceive one or more connection devices 360 on the storage container 130.For example, prior to or after the bedliner 310 is connected to the bed120 of the truck, one or more connection devices 360 may be insertedinto the reception slots 350. When inserted, the one or more connectiondevices 360 may lock into the reception slots. This may lock the storagecontainer 130 into place and prevent the storage container 130 frommoving around.

Depending on where the connection devices 360 are located on the storagecontainer 130, the reception slots may be located in other places of thebedliner 310. For example, the reception slots may be located on theside walls of the bedliner 310.

In an embodiment, a storage container is attached to a bedliner, such asthe bedliner 310, which is shaped to cover the bottom of the bed of apickup truck. In an embodiment, the bedliner 310 matches the shape ofthe bottom of the truck bed including sides. In an embodiment, thebedliner 310 matches the shape of the bottom of the truck bed withoutsides.

Accessing the Interior of an Example Storage Container

In an embodiment, instead of or as alternative to the top or front panelopening to provide access to the inside of the storage container 130,one or more of the sides may include a door or access panel that provideaccess to the inside. For example, a door or access panel 207, which issmaller than the front panel 203 of the storage container may be openedand closed to provide and prevent access to the inside of the storagecontainer 130. One embodiment of this alternative is shown in FIG. 4with the directional arrows indicating the movement of the access panel207.

Additional Configuration Examples

FIG. 8 illustrates an example metal-based storage container 130. Forexample, the storage container 130 can be constructed from aluminumand/or other metal and/or alloy-based material usable to provide supportand durability to the storage container 130. FIG. 8 illustrates theexample storage container 130 in a transitional position of the frontpanel going between the open position where it was stored underneath thebase 131 to the closed position where it will nest tightly against thetop and side panels. As will be discussed further below, one or more ofa circle cam disc, hook and ball, block and hinge, pin and groove, etc.,can be implemented to maintain alignment, guidance, and connectivitybetween the front panel and the base 131 and bottom 206.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, side panels 204, 205 are affixed to base panel131. The side panels 204, 205 are fixed in an upright position. In theupright position, each side panel 204, 205 can be connected to the frontpanel 203 and the top panel 201. A top panel 2010 is permanently affixedto the back panel 202 via a hingeable or other pivotable connection 209and is movable to enclose the interior of the container 130 inconjunction with the other panels 204, 205, 203, 201, 131.

In certain examples, a bottom 206 is located under the base panel 131and forms a gap or cavity as shown in FIG. 5. The front panel 203 canslide into the cavity by moving under the base panel 131 and over thebottom panel. Thus, the container 130 can be installed in the bed of atruck or trailer or other vehicle and withstand weather. For example, abox 130 installed in the bed of a pickup truck may be exposed to weatherand/or other environmental elements such as rain, snow, sleet, hail,dirt, debris, etc., which can be very invasive. Without a bottom 206,these elements can become lodged underneath the container and have thepotential, without a bottom or other covering, to render the unitinoperable. In certain examples, the container 130 is provided without abottom 206 such that the front panel 203 slides under the base panel 131and between the base panel 131 and an underlying vehicle bed or ground.

In certain examples, one or more handles 370 can be provided to allow auser to manipulate the container 130 to carry the container 130 and/ormaneuver the container 130 into and out of a pickup bed, or trailer.Further, each panel can include a handle or handhold to help providebetter ease of use to a user manipulating the container 130.

In certain examples, the container 130 provides a non-invasiveattachment mechanism by which the weight of the container 130 itself(alone or in conjunction with a heavy bottom panel 206) is sufficient tohold the container 130 in position without having to attach thecontainer to a vehicle using an external device such as screws, latches,ties, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the bottom panel 206 caninclude one or more holes 207, notches, and/or other recessions toaccommodate hooks, latches, knobs, and/or other protrusions to keep thecontainer 130 from moving in or on the vehicle bed, for example.

In certain examples, the side panels 204, 205 are designed with a tongueand groove shape on the edges that connect to the top and front panels.The tongue and groove arrangement has a dual purpose. A first purpose isto incorporate a “tortuous path” for incoming water or moisture thatwould get through any gap or crack remaining when two panels areconnected. A second function of the tongue and groove is that theirdesign (e.g., tapered) allows panels that are in the process of beingconnected to “index” at a point at which the panels first touch and thenstay in alignment as the panels are continued to be brought together.Using a slight taper (e.g., wider at the bottom and narrower at the topin the case of the side/front connection and wider at the back andnarrower at the front in the case of the side/top connection), as thepanels come together, misalignment can be accommodated by the taperedtongue and groove.

In certain examples, such as the example of FIG. 6, the side panels 204,205 are designed with a cavity 601 near the top of the inside surface ofeach panel in which a pipe 602, rod, or other ridged device can beinserted. When inserted, the pipe 602 and/or other device provides acontinuous connection across the container 130 (e.g., from side panel204 to side panel 205). The pipe 601 and/or other device then functionslike a closet rod, allowing a user to strap or hang personal items onthe rod for transport inside the container 130.

As shown in FIG. 6, in certain examples, a series of hooks 603 can beattached to the pipe, rod, and/or other ridged device to allow sacks tohang from the hook without having to be strapped or tied to the pipe. Auser can place a sack over a hook 603, and the sack can then swingfreely rather than spilling and allowing items to roll around in thecontainer 130.

In certain examples, one or more hinging devices including a circle camdisc, hook and ball, block or traditional hinge, can be used tofacilitate movement of the front panel 203 with respect to the base 131.As previously described, the front panel 203 can slide under and/or intothe gap created when the bottom 206 is attached to the base 131. Forexample, by sliding the front panel 203 underneath and/or into the gapcaused by the separation of the base 131 and the bottom 206, thecontainer 130 can be placed at or near the tailgate of a truck withoutworrying about the front panel 203 extending unsupported beyond the bedor tailgate of the truck (e.g., hanging in mid-air), which would be thecase if the panel was not able to be stored under the base itself.

As demonstrated in FIG. 7, the side panels are formed from a metaland/or other hard material, the unit 130 can be locked when the toppanel 201 is closed, and the front panel 203 is slid out from under thebase 131 and nested next to the top panel 201 and side panels 204, 205.These locks 701,702 can allow either the front panel 203 to remainlocked and the top to open freely, or the top panel 201 to be locked andthe front panel 203 to open freely, or in a third position where boththe front panel 203 and the top panel 201 can open freely.

While certain examples utilize one or more trusses 170, 171, 172, 173 toprovide support to the base of a storage container when the front dooris slid out from under the base 131, other examples include a base 131that provides its own support and does not need additional support(e.g., because the base is constructed from a material, such as a metal,hard plastic, etc., that is constructed of material stiff enough to spanfrom side to side without added support. In certain examples, the frontpanel 203 slides under the base 131 and remains in alignment with thebase 131 in an opening between the base panel 131 and a container bottom206 without use of a truss.

In certain examples, the top 201 of the box 130 can be secured whileallowing the front panel 203 to open and close independently of the toppanel 201. Additionally, the front 203 of the box 130 can be securedwhile the top panel 201 is opened and closed.

In certain examples, the front panel 203 spans an entire length of a gapbetween the side panels 204, 205. Stiffness of the material from whichthe front panel 203 is made (e.g., metal, hard plastic, etc.) providessupport for the movable panel 203 without guidance from trusses. Incertain examples, such as an example shown in FIG. 9, one or more pins901 are formed on the bottom of the front panel 203 near a side panel204, 205 to guide movement of the panel 203 from the front of thecontainer 130 to under the base 131 of the container 130. The pins 901can slide in a slot that is closed on the end. The closed slot preventsthe front panel 203 from being removed or dismounted from the container130.

In certain examples, the top panel 201 is attached to the back panel 202and is movable with respect to being hinged 209 to the back panel 202(e.g., from a closed position “capping” the container 130 and touchingthe tops of the back 202, sides 204, 205 and front panel 203). The top201 can be latched to the box 130 separately from the front panel 203and the front 203 can be latched separately from the top 201. Thus, incertain examples, the front 203 can open while the top 201 is fixedand/or vice versa. In certain examples, when the top is closed and restson the back 202, the front panel 203 is slid underneath the base 131.

As discussed above, certain examples provide a variety of devices tocontrol the front panel 203 of the storage container 130 as the panel203 slides out from under the base 131. The control(s) grab andconstrain (e.g., stop, limit, etc.) the front panel 203 in position toswing vertically into place resting next to the side panels 204, 205 andtop panel 201. A variety of approaches can be used to align the frontpanel 203 with the side panels 204, 205 and the base 131 as well as keepthe front panel 203 from inadvertently being pulled out of the cavitycreated between the base 131 and a bottom 206 of the container 130.Several examples are disclosed and described below.

For example, one or more cam-shaped discs (e.g., circle cam discs,square cam discs, trapezoidal cam discs, etc.) and/or other object(s)having an offset center can be attached to the bottom of the front panel203. The cam-shaped disc(s) and/or other object(s) can be attached nearthe end(s), side(s), and/or middle of the panel 203. A user can pull upon the front panel 203, and, based on the cam-shaped disc(s), the frontpanel 203 cannot come out of the box 130. Rather, the front panel 203can only move up and down on a radius of the cam.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of cam discs 1020, 1022 attached to afront panel 203. FIG. 11 illustrates the cam disc 1020 in anintermediate position (e.g., between closed and open). FIG. 12 shows thecircle cam disc 1020 when the front panel 203 is tight against sidepanels 204, 205. Thus, in the example of FIG. 11, the front panel 203 isin a position halfway between closed and open, and, in the example ofFIG. 12, the front panel 203 is in a fully closed position again theside panels 204, 205.

Alternatively or in addition to the cam-shaped disc implementation,certain examples use a “pin and groove” to secure and move the frontpanel. FIG. 13 illustrates an example storage container with a pin andgroove method of guiding the front panel 203 as it relates to the base206. The front panel 203 in the example of FIG. 13 is in a position halfway between open and closed.

FIG. 13 shows a pin 901 attached to a corner of the front panel 203. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, the pin 901 slides in a slot or groove 1301 tomove under and out from a base 131. FIG. 13 shows the example pin 901position in the slot or groove 1301 when the front panel 203 is pulledout from underneath the base 131. Thus, the slot or groove 1301 allowsthe pin 901 to move in the slot or groove 1301 to keep the front panel203 in correct position, for example.

FIG. 14 illustrates another alternative example using a hook and ballfor movement of a front panel 203 with respect to a base 131. FIG. 14illustrates an example storage container using a hook and ball method ofguiding the front panel as it relates to the base. FIG. 14 illustratesthe front panel 203 in three separate positions as the panel 203 ispulled out from under the base 131 and brought to a full verticalposition where it can nest into the side and top panels.

As shown in the sequence of FIG. 14, a hook 1420 fits with respect to aspherical shaped elongated ball 1422 and allows the front panel 203 topivot around the base panel 131. In this way, the front panel 203 canslide under the base 131 until the hook 1420 connects with the elongatedball 1422, at which point the front panel 203 swings up until it is in aposition normal to the base 131.

FIG. 15 illustrates and example storage container using a block andhinge method of guiding the front panel 203 as it relates to the base131. FIG. 15 illustrates the front panel in three separate positions asit is pulled out from under the base 131 and brought to a full verticalposition where it can nest into the side and top panels.

FIG. 15 illustrates another alternative example using a block and hingefor movement of a front panel 203 with respect to a base 131 of astorage container. A hinge 1520 allows the front panel 203 to swing upwith respect to the base 131, and a block 1522 prevents the front panel203 from being pulled out of the base 131. Using the hinge 1520, thefront panel 203 can be pulled up into an erected position normal to thebase 131, while the block 1522 stops the panel 203 in position withoutmoving the panel 203 beyond position.

In certain examples, the top of the container can be opened or closed,and the front and top panels are movable independent of each other(e.g., the top can be open and the front can be open, the top can bedown and the front can be open, the top can be open and the front can beclosed, etc.).

CONCLUSION

Thus, certain examples provide an automobile storage containerconstructed from a metallic or other rigid material. Certain examplesprovide a plurality of panels, arranged with respect to a base, that areconnected to each other and configured to be movable so as to form anenclosed storage area on a bed of a vehicle, trailer, etc.

An example automobile storage container includes a plurality of panelsarranged with respect to a base. The plurality of panels areinterconnected to form an enclosed storage area when closed. The top andfront panels are movable into both a closed position and an openposition. The plurality of panels include at least a top panel, a frontpanel, a base panel, a back panel, and two side panels, the front panelmovable to slide under the base of the container. The example includes acontrol device to grab and constrain the front panel in position to 1)swing vertically into a closed position against the side panels and baseand to 2) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a front edge ofthe base.

Thus, the top panel and front panel are independently movable withrespect to each other, and each of the top panel and front panel isarrangeable in an open position and a closed position with respect tothe rest of the container regardless of the open or closed position ofthe other of the top panel and front panel. For example, the top panelcan move up into an open position or move down into a closed positionregardless of whether the front panel is open or closed (or somewhere inbetween). Similarly, the front panel can slide down under the base panelinto an open position or move up against the side panels into a closedposition regardless of whether the top panel is open or closed (orsomewhere in between).

While the inventions have been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the spirit orscope of the present inventions. Therefore, it is intended that theinventions not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosedherein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an automotivestorage container including at least a movable front panel and a movabletop panel, each of the front panel and the top panel connected with andindependently movable with respect to the automotive storage container,wherein the front panel is movable, independent of the rest of theautomotive storage container to a) move into a front panel closedposition to form an enclosed storage area within the automotive storagecontainer, and b) move into a front panel open position by sliding intoa second position under a base of the automotive storage container toexpose an interior of the automotive storage container and facilitateexternal access to the interior of the automotive storage container, andwherein the top panel is movable, independent of the rest of theautomotive storage container to a) move into a top panel closed positionto form the enclosed storage area within the automotive storagecontainer, and b) move into a top panel open position to expose theinterior of the automotive storage container and facilitate externalaccess to the interior of the automotive storage container, theautomotive storage container further including a control device to graband constrain the front panel in position to 1) move into the frontpanel closed position, 2) move into the front panel open position underthe base, and 3) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a frontedge of the base of the automotive storage container, the control deviceincluding at least one of a) a cam-shaped disc or b) a hook and ball. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the automotive container includes amovable back panel and two movable side panels, the automotive storagecontainer forming the enclosed storage area when the front panel, toppanel, side panels, and back panel are interconnected with each otherwhen in the respective panel closed positions.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the automotive container includes a back panel, a first sidepanel and a second side panel, and wherein at least one of the toppanel, the front panel, the back panel, the first side panel or thesecond side panel includes at least one of a tapered end, a tongue or agroove to engage an adjacent panel.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe automotive storage container includes the base and a bottom, thebottom arranged below the base of the automotive storage container, thebase connected to the bottom to form a cavity between the base and thebottom, the cavity accommodating the front panel when the front panel ismoved into the second position under the base.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the top panel is movable into the top panel open position andthe top panel closed position with respect to a back and sides of theautomotive storage container when the front panel is locked in theclosed position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front panel ismovable when the top panel is in the top panel open position and whenthe top panel is in the top panel closed position, and wherein the toppanel is movable when the front panel is in the front panel openposition and when the front panel is in the front panel closed position.7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top panel and front panel arerigid.
 8. An apparatus comprising: an automotive storage containerincluding at least a movable front panel and a movable top panel, thefront panel movably connected to a base of the automotive storagecontainer, wherein when the front panel is positioned in an openposition, an interior of the automotive storage container is exposed andwherein the front panel is movable in the open position to slide into asecond position under the base of the automotive storage container, theautomotive storage container further including a control device to graband constrain the front panel in position to 1) move into a closedposition, 2) move into the open position, and 3) keep the front panelfrom being pulled beyond a front edge of the base of the automotivestorage container, the control device including at least one of a) acam-shaped disc or b) a hook and ball.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the automotive container includes a movable back panel and twomovable side panels, the automotive storage container forming anenclosed storage area when the front panel, top panel, side panels, andback panel are interconnected with each other when in the respectivepanel closed positions with respect to the base.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the automotive container includes a back panel, a firstside panel and a second side panel, and wherein at least one of the toppanel, the front panel, the back panel, the first side panel or thesecond side panel includes at least one of a tapered end, a tongue or agroove to engage an adjacent panel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the automotive storage container includes a bottom arrangedbelow the base of the automotive storage container, the base connectedto the bottom to form a cavity between the base and the bottom, thecavity accommodating the front panel when the front panel is moved intothe second position under the base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the top panel is movable into a top panel open position and atop panel closed position with respect to a back and sides of theautomotive storage container when the front panel is locked in theclosed position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the front panelis movable when the top panel is in a top panel open position and whenthe top panel is in a top panel closed position, and wherein the toppanel is movable when the front panel is in a front panel open positionand when the front panel is in a front panel closed position.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the top panel and front panel are rigid.15. An apparatus comprising: an automotive storage container includingat least a movable front panel and a movable top panel, the front panelmovably connected to a base of the automotive storage container; and ameans for moving the front panel into a second position under the baseof the automotive storage container, the means for moving the frontpanel under the base further including a control device means to graband constrain the front panel in position to 1) move into a closedposition, 2) move into a first open position, and 3) keep the frontpanel from being pulled beyond a front edge of the base of theautomotive storage container, the control device means including atleast one of a) a cam-shaped disc or b) a hook and ball.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the automotive storage container includesa bottom arranged below the base of the automotive storage container,the base connected to the bottom to form a cavity between the base andthe bottom, the cavity accommodating the front panel when the frontpanel is moved into the second position under the base.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the automotive storage container furthercomprises a means for interconnecting the panels of the automotivestorage container to provide a weather tight interior.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17, wherein the automotive container includes a back panel, afirst side panel and a second side panel, and wherein the means forinterconnecting the panels of the automotive storage container toprovide a weather tight interior comprises at least one of a taperedend, a tongue, or a groove included in at least one of the top panel,the front panel, the back panel, the first side panel or the second sidepanel to engage an adjacent panel.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the front panel is movable when the top panel is in a top panelopen position and when the top panel is in a top panel closed position,and wherein the top panel is movable when the front panel is in a frontpanel open position and when the front panel is in a front panel closedposition.